LOIS GAY aka "PURPLE LADY OR BIG RED" MARTIN

MARTIN LOIS GAY MARTIN, aka "The Purple Lady or Big Red" 86, of Catawba Island, passed away Sunday, January 06, 2013 at her residence, surrounded by her loving family. Lois was born on July 9, 1926 in Lakewood, OH, the daughter of Harry T. and Emily C. (Geffers) Bennett. On June 15, 1946, she married Robert William Martin. She met Bob at Crile Hospital (while serving in the admittance of those wounded in war) today known as Tri-C Campus West. He preceded her in death on May 27, 1987. Lois graduated from the West Technical High School in Cleveland, OH. She was a member of Middleburg Heights Community Church, where she was very active and was the co-founder of the known "Lenten Dinners" series at the church. Lois was known by all as "Big Red" for her gorgeous head of red hair and the love of the color purple that she surrounded herself with, gave her the title "Purple Lady". She supported that legacy by the purple Cadillac that she drove around the Catawba Island area. She did a lot of volunteer work. She was a candy striper at the Southwest General Hospital in Middleburg Heights, OH. She also served the Berea, OH area in transporting the mentally challenged children to their respective schools. Throughout Lois's life she enjoyed various social clubs. Her love of animals made her a long standing member of the ASPCA. As her spirit lives on she will be greatly missed by her loving family and friends. Survivors include: Son: Craig Stephen (Dawn) Martin of Middleburg Heights; Daughter: Robin Gay (Dale) Krcek of Catawba Island; Son: Robert (Brittany) Christiansen of Catawba Island and Grandchildren: Nicholas Robert Krcek and Jessica Lynn Krcek. Lois was preceded in death by her parents and husband. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00PM, Saturday, January 12, 2013 at the Catawba Island Fire Station with fellowship following the service. Memorial donations in memory of Lois may be given to the
., American Heart Assoc,
Breast Cancer Research, or the Catawba Island Humane Society. Gerner-Wolf-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.